Hard steering
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: McMinnville, TN
Hard steering
Finally got my truck ready for it's first road trip. The only major problem I have encountered so far is...
When stopped or slowing down (braking), the steering is very hard to turn. The problem goes away as soon as the engine rpm increases. When sitting still, the wheel is almost impossible to turn. When moving and under acceleration, the steering is fine. I'm puzzled.
The truck: 1975 F-250 Crew Cab 300-6 4sp 2WD
What's new: Power steering pump, belts
Symptoms: No pump whine, hard steering under slowing / braking, some vibrations at 30-35 mph.
Any thoughts on what could be wrong?
All help appreciated.
Thanks,
Stacey
When stopped or slowing down (braking), the steering is very hard to turn. The problem goes away as soon as the engine rpm increases. When sitting still, the wheel is almost impossible to turn. When moving and under acceleration, the steering is fine. I'm puzzled.
The truck: 1975 F-250 Crew Cab 300-6 4sp 2WD
What's new: Power steering pump, belts
Symptoms: No pump whine, hard steering under slowing / braking, some vibrations at 30-35 mph.
Any thoughts on what could be wrong?
All help appreciated.
Thanks,
Stacey
Last edited by smaynor; Apr 28, 2003 at 01:00 PM.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: McMinnville, TN
Hard steering
So is this normal? If so, I'm gonna start looking into doing a power steering conversion. This thing is WAY too hard to steer. It's almost dangerous when you are driving along (perfect power steering) and start to slow down and brake and you steering wheel feels like it is locked and won't turn. It's kinda scary.
Tell me more...
Stacey
Tell me more...
Stacey
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 2
From: Minneapolis, MN
Hard steering
Double check your belt tension. After initial run-in they will stretch and need to be re-tightened.
You could also try lightly sanding the pulleys to remove any glaze. Might help.
You could also try lightly sanding the pulleys to remove any glaze. Might help.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: McMinnville, TN
Hard steering
Not to argue, but are you sure I don't have power steering? There is no assist ram on the tie rod end. Both hoses go from the power sttering pump to the steering gearbox. Are there other things to look for that will help me determine whether it is power steering or power assist?
Stacey
Stacey
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 869
Likes: 1
From: Apple Valley CA USA
Hard steering
2wd of this era were all full time power steering they never offered power assist on these. there are several things that could contribute to the problem. the first thing we would need to know is if the problem existed before the pump was replaced? a rebuilt pump can be bad, if it does not develop enough pressure or if the relief valve is stuck open you will not see much power from the unit. if it is the same as before the pump was replaced then it is likely the unit has an internal leak and is bypassing the power mechanism. also an odd possibility is the wrong pulley on the pump which slows the pump too much for the application. these power steering units are very good and you should be able to easily turn the wheels at an idle unless you have monster mudders! just a few ideas, hawkrod
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: McMinnville, TN
Hard steering
Thanks, Hawkrod!
I was almost positive I had true power steering on this truck. I drove it for a long drive last night, and it just isn't getting any better. this thing is VERY hard to turn the wheel.
To answer your questions...
Yes, the problem existed before I replaced the pump. That is WHY I replaced the pump during the rebuild.
It is the correct pulley. I'm sure of that. It's the same pulley that came off the old pump.
And, it's a 2WD so I definitely don't have mudders
The tires are brand new 9.50x16.5.
Stacey
I was almost positive I had true power steering on this truck. I drove it for a long drive last night, and it just isn't getting any better. this thing is VERY hard to turn the wheel.
To answer your questions...
Yes, the problem existed before I replaced the pump. That is WHY I replaced the pump during the rebuild.
It is the correct pulley. I'm sure of that. It's the same pulley that came off the old pump.
And, it's a 2WD so I definitely don't have mudders
The tires are brand new 9.50x16.5. Stacey
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 869
Likes: 1
From: Apple Valley CA USA
Hard steering
yup, then it sounds like a bad power steering unit. time for a new gear box, sorry. BTW just because the pulley was on the old pump does not mean its the right one. when i worked at the dealership i saw too many changed to whatever was on hand. hawkrod
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Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: McMinnville, TN
Hard steering
Well, looks like Scud will be getting a new power steering unit. I just can't drive it like it is now. The steering is so hard to turn that it is just dangerous.
Appreciate all your help Hawkrod.
BTW, can the unit be purchased at the local parts store, or is there a trip to the boneyard in my future?
Stacey
Appreciate all your help Hawkrod.
BTW, can the unit be purchased at the local parts store, or is there a trip to the boneyard in my future?
Stacey
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